Eric Hoffman of the Hoffman Brewing Co. hosted the second American Homebrewers Association's National Learn to Brew Day at his Wendover Boulevard home in Norton Shores. About 70 people interested in homebrewing came to watch about a dozen veteran homebrewers exhibit their skills and provide a taste of their products.

The Saturday afternoon gathering was sponsored by MOB – Muskegon Ottawa Brewers, a local homebrewing club that was established two years ago.

“This event shows just how big the craft beer movement in Muskegon has become thanks to the homebrewers,” said Hoffman, who is a partner and head brewer for the Unruly Brewing Co. “It’s the homewbrewers who have led the charge for local breweries to come to Muskegon like Unruly Brewing along with all of those that I know will be following in our footsteps.”

Hoffman has partnered with Muskegon business attorney Jeff Jacobson and Mark Gongalski to create the first microbrewery in Muskegon County. Plans continue as developer Gary Post works on creating an indoor market that will feature Unruly and other complementary food and retail outlets.

Hoffman said realistically Unruly Brewing is not going to be able to set up its microbrewing equipment and begin producing craft beer until after the first of the year. Licensing through the Michigan Liquor Control Commission is under way but the microbrewing establishment probably won’t be able to serve to the public until early spring, he said.

Saturday was all about building a greater understanding of the craft beer process, not only for those wanting to homebrew themselves but for those who will be the customers of Unruly and other Muskegon-area beer businesses.

“The crowd Saturday was about 50-50 brewers and nonbrewers,” Hoffman said of the event that took place in his front yard.

The brewing process takes about five to six hours, a perfect time for the craft brewing community to mix during the noon to 6 p.m. event.

“Everyone was starting and finishing at different times so people could see the process at various stages,” said Hoffman, a salesman for a Grand Rapids steel company. “All of the equipment was different and people could see the different methods and techniques used by the homebrewers.”

Hoffman, who has been homebrewing for more than two years, said he completed his 100th batch of beer Saturday afternoon, a 10-gallon run of “wheat IPA” – India Pale Ale.

“The more sophisticated the craft beer enthusiasts get the better customers we will have,” Hoffman said. “Events like these will help create a customer base for a better beer product.”

The camaraderie among area homebrewers leads to friendly competition, Hoffman said. Unruly and other will look to grow the craft beer business in Muskegon, creating a critical mass to draw customers, he said.

"The event was absolutely awesome as we were able to get together as a community," said Ryan Wasson, a Grand Haven homebrewer and salesman for Lange Flooring in Muskegon who has recently joint the MOB group. "Anytime any of these guys can take a dream and turn it into a career it is great. Craft beer is a good business and supports the region and its tourism."